2022 Squad: Gains, Losses & Re-signings.

[Dragon David]

I wonder what the story is? The page indicated by @Willow definitely shows that Kiko signed with the Dragons for 2022, but then shows later that he has signed with the Broncos for 2022. Why? More money at the broncs? The Dragons didn't care so just released him? Strange situation. Does anyone know the real story?

Possibly many reasons which someone like George Dragon might have some info on.

Maybe he didn't feel comfortable with the set-up at the Dragons under the Train and Trial arrangements thus having a poor attitude and the Dragons have agreed to release him or the Broncos have seen his highlights reel and has asked his manager if he would sign a deal to play rather than to trial and pay him bigger bucks. It is a pity in a way that he has gone as he shows quite a lot of ability in his game.

 

[Willow]

I wonder what the story is? The page indicated by @Willow definitely shows that Kiko signed with the Dragons for 2022, but then shows later that he has signed with the Broncos for 2022. Why? More money at the broncs? The Dragons didn't care so just released him? Strange situation. Does anyone know the real story?

It's from a sports manager's instagram page and most media personnel are on holidays now. Quite frankly I doff my hat to the timing - it'll get tongues wagging.

Nothing against the source but there's been no actual media release from anyone, so it's probably best to wait for confirmation.

 

[BIG RIG]

I wonder what the story is? The page indicated by @Willow definitely shows that Kiko signed with the Dragons for 2022, but then shows later that he has signed with the Broncos for 2022. Why? More money at the broncs? The Dragons didn't care so just released him? Strange situation. Does anyone know the real story?

If I was to guess it is that he signed a train and trial deal with us but was then offered a top 30 deal by the Bronx’s

 

[AyiosYiorgos]

If I was to guess it is that he signed a train and trial deal with us but was then offered a top 30 deal by the Bronx’s

Yeah that's what i think as well...

lombardisportsmanagement​

After initially signing with the dragons, Kiko will be joining the Broncos NRL side in the new year for 2022. We thank the Dragons for allowing him to pursue this opportunity and can’t wait to see him play for this huge club!

 

[OneEyedDragon]

If I was to guess it is that he signed a train and trial deal with us but was then offered a top 30 deal by the Bronx’s

Your explanation makes the most sense, but still no official explanation.

 

[getsmarty]

Fresh start has Gosiewski excited

New Dragons recruit Jack Gosiewski talks about pre-season so far and what he's looking forward to in 2022.

www.dragons.com.au

 

[kit66]

Fresh start has Gosiewski excited

New Dragons recruit Jack Gosiewski talks about pre-season so far and what he's looking forward to in 2022.

www.dragons.com.au

I really can't see Gosiewski playing anywhere but reserves next year, if he stays fit. His defence is bog average. It's telling that his first 5 games at Manly this year were when Manly were at their worst. In fact Manly's whole season seemed to turn dramatically almost from the moment Jack came off injured in round 5 to be replaced by Keppie for the rest of the season. Probably a coincidence but not a good sign. He'd be bottom of the depth list for backrowers you'd think.

 

[randomdragon]

I really can't see Gosiewski playing anywhere but reserves next year, if he stays fit. His defence is bog average. It's telling that his first 5 games at Manly this year were when Manly were at their worst. In fact Manly's whole season seemed to turn dramatically almost from the moment Jack came off injured in round 5 to be replaced by Keppie for the rest of the season. Probably a coincidence but not a good sign. He'd be bottom of the depth list for backrowers you'd think.

are you stupid? it might have something to do with trebojvic coming back...

 

[kit66]

are you stupid? it might have something to do with trebojvic coming back...

I didn't say it was the only factor dickhead, just a notable coincidence. A big drop in the quality of their opposition to start their turnaround from round 6 also helped.
But Keppie was an obvious upgrade on JG for a while there and helped steady the ship.
All up though JG has shown very little in 6 seasons to position himself for a first grade spot with us, in the starting side or on the bench.

 

[possm]

Oh well, depth players with first-grade experience.

 

[Saints Forever]

The bloke looks downcast at the amount of competition in front of him for a spot in the 17.

He is destined to play KOE unless injuries and poor form open the door for him.

 

[Evil Emperor Zurg]

are you stupid? it might have something to do with trebojvic coming back...

Manly 2021 were the biggest one player team since Cowboys 2015.
The difference both players made was phenomenal.

 

[qld redvee]

Oh well, depth players with first-grade experience.

Definitely poss. we need experienced players for depth not like the last couple of years where our reserve squad was pretty ordinary

 

[randomdragon]

I didn't say it was the only factor dickhead, just a notable coincidence. A big drop in the quality of their opposition to start their turnaround from round 6 also helped.
But Keppie was an obvious upgrade on JG for a while there and helped steady the ship.
All up though JG has shown very little in 6 seasons to position himself for a first grade spot with us, in the starting side or on the bench.

no, youre wrong, completely different positions too, keppie is a prop gosiewski was playing backrow

 

[hewi]

IMO all that matters is there is competition for places. Pressure equals performance. He has first grade experience and quite often a change of club and coach takes a player to a new level. Here’s hoping.

 

[kit66]

no, youre wrong, completely different positions too, keppie is a prop gosiewski was playing backrow

Keppie played in JG's position in the next 3 games after JG got injured, then 2 at prop then 2 more in JG's position.
This stuff's easy to look up, try it, it'll save you from embarrsassing yourself.

 

[kit66]

IMO all that matters is there is competition for places. Pressure equals performance. He has first grade experience and quite often a change of club and coach takes a player to a new level. Here’s hoping.

It's our greater depth ( in quantity and quality ) that'll create competition for places and that's really refreshing but we're also going to need a mountain of luck. So many if & buts and wishing and hoping and fingers crossed for 2022. Nearly every player has a big question mark over them, age, injuries, combinations, comebacks, judiciary targets, youth and inexperience and many needing to regain form, and right from the start - who plays where ? and sooo much riding on the young guns.
But to be honest, I haven't been this excited about an upcoming season in at least 10 years, or nervous.
We could finish top 4 or bottom 4 you just can't tell at this stage. I'm thinking we're due a bit of luck after the last couple of years, that and Hook's nous will take us into the top 8.

 

[Dragon David]

It's our greater depth ( in quantity and quality ) that'll create competition for places and that's really refreshing but we're also going to need a mountain of luck. So many if & buts and wishing and hoping and fingers crossed for 2022. Nearly every player has a big question mark over them, age, injuries, combinations, comebacks, judiciary targets, youth and inexperience and many needing to regain form, and right from the start - who plays where ? and sooo much riding on the young guns.
But to be honest, I haven't been this excited about an upcoming season in at least 10 years, or nervous.
We could finish top 4 or bottom 4 you just can't tell at this stage. I'm thinking we're due a bit of luck after the last couple of years, that and Hook's nous will take us into the top 8.

I'm really excited about 2022 for us . As you say kit66, " Nearly every player has a big question mark over them, age, injuries, combinations, comebacks, judiciary targets, youth and inexperience and many needing to regain form, and right from the start - who plays where ? and sooo much riding on the young guns" but I'm sure that we will give a much better account on the pitch in 2022 than what was dished out this year. That BBQ gate, no Hunt and Vaughan - I reckon we could have won about 3 of the last 8 games if we did not have to suspend players because of the penalties imposed and that meant that we could have been in the 8 on 24 points.

 

[kit66]

I'm really excited about 2022 for us . As you say kit66, " Nearly every player has a big question mark over them, age, injuries, combinations, comebacks, judiciary targets, youth and inexperience and many needing to regain form, and right from the start - who plays where ? and sooo much riding on the young guns" but I'm sure that we will give a much better account on the pitch in 2022 than what was dished out this year. That BBQ gate, no Hunt and Vaughan - I reckon we could have won about 3 of the last 8 games if we did not have to suspend players because of the penalties imposed and that meant that we could have been in the 8 on 24 points.

Just having a creative 6 again will be a huge bonus and one who can work well with Hunt should make us a lot more dangerous than we have been, whether it be Amone or Bud is yet to be decided but it's certainly a savouring proposition. We've had no-one useful in that position since Widdop left.
I noticed that in all the new player interviews on the Dragons home page the player, when asked what he's looking forward to or how he thinks we'll go, they mention the young guys, Bud, Amone, Sloan which says a lot, they know a good prospect when they see it / them.

 

[getsmarty]

Meet Tautau Moga

Imposing centre Tautau Moga checks into the Dragons and talks about his goals for 2022.

www.dragons.com.au